RSL Australia responds to the latest federal budget

The following is an excerpt from the full media release published on 25 March 2025 and available on the RSL Australia website.

The Returned & Services League of Australia (RSL) has welcomed tonight’s Budget announcement to continue the Federal Government’s support for the veteran community.

But it is disappointing that it hasn’t taken more definitive funding decisions to implement all recommendations of the Royal Commission into Defence and Veteran Suicide and that it hasn’t boosted Defence spending sufficiently to meet increased international instability and the growing security threat in our region.

RSL Australia National President Greg Melick says the additional funding for the Department of Veterans’ Affairs (DVA) to support services for veterans and to maintain the Department’s service delivery workforce is crucial and will be welcomed by the veteran community.

“Improvement in DVA’s infrastructure is important and the momentum commenced over the past year must be continued and enhanced to avoid a return of the unacceptable veteran claims backlog. This must include a major upgrade to DVA’s aging legacy IT systems to enable better connectivity with other government agencies including Defence.

“A number of Budget initiatives including the funding to continue the volunteer training in suicide recognition and intervention, to continue to engage the veteran community on key Royal Commission recommendations and support for the Interim Defence and Veteran Service Commissioner in establishing the new Commission are welcome,” Greg Melick said.

“But the veteran community was looking for more substantial funding commitments to begin the full implementation of all 122 Royal Commission recommendations.

“The Royal Commissions report handed down late last year provided a pathway for the future and we’re disappointed that the Budget has failed to provide the funding for the Government’s plan for real, meaningful and enduring reform to improve wellbeing for Defence Force personnel, veterans and families.”

Read the full media release at the RSL Australia website.